Your story matters.
The events that led to your unplanned pregnancy and all of the unknowns that have yet to be determined do not change your deep value.
Though it may be scary to look into the unwritten pages of your next chapter, it is important to avoid rushing into a decision about what comes next.
Take the time to learn about all your options so your story can have the best possible ending. You are worth it!
What Are the Risks of a Medical Abortion?
Abortion comes with potential complications– even if you just take the abortion pill.
Because a medical abortion is usually done at home without the supervision of a medical professional, risks can be greater for complications like an incomplete abortion or infection, which can be detrimental to a woman’s health.
According to the FDA’s Questions and Answers on Mifeprex, “As of December 31, 2018, there were reports of 24 deaths of women associated with Mifeprex since the product was approved in September 2000, including two cases of ectopic pregnancy resulting in death; and several cases of severe systemic infection (also called sepsis), including some that were fatal.”
In total, the number of adverse events from 2000 to 2018 is now 24 deaths, 97 ectopic pregnancies, 1,042 hospitalizations, 599 blood transfusions, and 412 infections (including 69 severe infections), with a total of 4,195 adverse events reported.
Common side effects from a chemical abortion include:
- Nausea
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Headache
- Diarrhea
What Are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion is usually performed later in a pregnancy when the abortion pill is no longer an option. Because this type of abortion is fairly invasive, there are many potential complications, including:
- Damage to the uterus and other internal intestines
- Incomplete abortion
- Infection from bacteria that enter the uterus
- Anesthesia complications
- Blood clots or hemorrhaging
- Future infertility problems
- Death
What Are the Mental and Emotional Risks of Abortion?
Though it might seem like an abortion will make your pregnancy go away, abortion can never undo a pregnancy. Life will forever be altered, and it will never be what it was before.
Your womb may be empty again, but that doesn’t mean you will feel like yourself.
Many women report psychological effects after an abortion. According to the Louisiana State Department, “Some women have reported serious psychological effects after their abortion, including depression, grief, anxiety, lowered self-esteem, regret, attachment, flashbacks and substance abuse. These emotions may appear immediately after an abortion or gradually over a longer period of time.”
A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reported that there were dramatic changes in mental health in women who had an abortion. The study examined medical information from 877,000 women, of which 164,000 had an abortion; the women who had an abortion were 81 percent more likely to experience mental health struggles.
They were:
- 34% more likely to develop an anxiety disorder
- 37% more likely to experience depression
- 110% more likely to abuse alcohol
- 155% more likely to commit suicide
- 220% more likely to abuse marijuana
Who Can I Talk to About My Options?
If you have an unplanned pregnancy and want to talk to someone about your next chapter, we are here for you. At our clinic, we have helped many women walk your same path. We can offer helpful information about abortion, adoption, and parenting.
Our services are confidential and totally free. We are here to help because your story matters.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
